A loyal dog with innate human empathy consoles its hospitalized owner suffering from a serious cardiac ailment

You wouldn’t think Brian Benson would own an assistance dog based on his appearance. He exercises in his home gym seven days a week, abstains from alcohol, and practices clean eating to the point of obsession. He is prosperous and mindful of his health.

Despite having a major cardiac ailment that required him to be hospitalized lately, Benson’s service dog, Magnus, greatly assisted him during this difficult time. In the hospital, they cuddled a lot, and the owner’s depression was eased by the K9’s kind nature. Even strangers who were half a world away offered consolation and support because of Magnus.

 Brian Benson and his service dog, Magnus. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnusthetherapydog/">magnusthetherapydog</a>)

Magnus, Brian Benson’s assistance dog. (Image courtesy of Magnus the Therapy Dog and Brian Benson)

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A video that was shot in a hospital in New York showing the dog and its owner cuddling has gone viral. Magnus seems to be able to sense his owner’s needs while releasing peaceful, calming love medicine, so scenes of the two of them playing games and bopping lips to eliminate the gloom are quite charming. Naturally, the adorable video went viral.

We have a good feeling that this video of the two will be the cutest thing you see online all day. 

Benson is a fit fifty-year-old who is highly concerned about his health, even though he is no longer young. Having managed his own TV-film special effects company for the previous thirty-plus years, he is likewise successful. Manhattan is only an hour away from where he lives. However, he began to have heart-related symptoms, including dyspnea, in late January.

 Magnus and Brian Benson during his stay in the hospital in late January 2023. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnusthetherapydog/">magnusthetherapydog</a>)

Magnus and Brian Benson at the end of January 2023, while he was hospitalized. (Image courtesy of Magnus the Therapy Dog and Brian Benson)

Now, several years prior, Benson had already purchased Magnus, a yellow Labrador who was six years old. Magnus was supposed to be the family dog, but he also demonstrated potential as a therapy dog. As demonstrated in the aforementioned video, he has exceptional empathy. I saw right away that he had a strong innate capacity for empathy. Benson stated, “He could read people, sense their feelings, and then console them. “I trained him to be a therapy dog because of this.”

Benson trained Magnus to assist hospitalized patients after learning how to control his seizures; as a result, Magnus became his service dog.   

 Magnus comforts his ailing owner, Brain Benson, in the hospital in late January 2023. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnusthetherapydog/">magnusthetherapydog</a>)

Since it’s a hospital, visitors may find it antiseptic and chilly. That was lessened and the mood was warmed by the dog’s presence. Benson remarked, “It’s not this warm, cozy, inviting environment.” “Having [Magnus] by my side improved an awful circumstance to an incredible degree. It did.

Following his release, Benson was given a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, also known as a weak heart, which means that his heart has to beat far harder than it should. His blood pressure rises as a result, and he frequently feels exhausted and out of breath. Benson’s primary care physician advised him to consult a cardiologist with advanced heart failure subspecialization. “Unfortunately, things don’t seem to be going well,” Benson remarked.

 Brian Benson, his family, and Magnus enjoying time together in the outdoors. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnusthetherapydog/">magnusthetherapydog</a>)

Many offered “solid, real advice” in addition to the typical “prayers and good wishes,” Benson told the newspaper. There are some common experiences of living with comparable diagnoses. Some suggested Benson ask his doctor a few targeted questions. On Benson’s behalf, some went to see their cardiologists to get advice. The amount of materials and really helpful people I’ve encountered has been astounding; it feels as though I’ve just recently entered this pool. Benson expressed his humility by saying that Magnus’s devotion had “crossed all boundaries.”

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That Friday, January 20, he went to the emergency room and underwent several tests. Upon reviewing the data, the doctor advised Benson to stay overnight, especially since cardiac issues run in his family. In the end, he would remain until Sunday.

 

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